CVE-2024-13153 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool that extends Elementor page builder functionality with various widgets. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.5.135. It stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes within multiple widgets: Image Tooltip, Notification, Simple Popup, Video Play Button, and Card Carousel. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this vulnerability by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages via these widgets. Once injected, the malicious scripts execute in the context of any user who views the compromised page, potentially allowing session hijacking, privilege escalation, or other malicious actions. Notably, exploitation does not require user interaction beyond page access, and the scope is limited to authenticated users with contributor or higher roles, which reduces the attack surface but still poses a significant risk in multi-user WordPress environments. The patching process is complicated by the fact that the vulnerable widget code is not included in the main plugin update; instead, affected widgets must be manually deleted and reinstalled to apply the fix. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating medium severity, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, privileges required at the contributor level, no user interaction, and a scope change. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's presence in a popular WordPress plugin makes it a candidate for targeted attacks.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-13153 is the potential for stored XSS attacks within WordPress sites using the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in the browsers of site visitors or administrators, enabling session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. For organizations, this can result in compromised user accounts, loss of customer trust, reputational damage, and potential regulatory consequences if sensitive data is exposed. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, it is particularly concerning in environments with multiple content editors or contributors, where an insider threat or compromised contributor account could be leveraged. The scope of affected systems is broad given the popularity of WordPress and Elementor, especially among small to medium-sized businesses, bloggers, and e-commerce sites. Although no active exploitation is known, the ease of exploitation (low complexity, no user interaction) and the persistent nature of stored XSS increase the risk of future attacks. The need for manual widget replacement may delay patch deployment, prolonging exposure.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13153 effectively, organizations should: 1) Immediately identify all WordPress sites using the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin, especially versions up to 1.5.135. 2) Restrict contributor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only, and review user accounts for any suspicious activity. 3) Manually delete and reinstall the affected widgets (Image Tooltip, Notification, Simple Popup, Video Play Button, and Card Carousel) as the patch is not included in the main plugin update. 4) Apply any official plugin updates promptly once available, and monitor the vendor’s announcements for additional patches or guidance. 5) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of potential XSS exploitation by restricting script sources. 6) Conduct regular security audits and scanning for injected scripts or anomalous content on affected pages. 7) Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce input validation policies. 8) Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting these widgets. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing manual widget management, privilege auditing, and layered defenses tailored to the plugin’s architecture.